French fries land motorist in the ditch

Perth County OPP officers are warning motorists about the dangers of eating and driving after an 18-year-old motorist landed in the ditch north of Staffa.

Police said a female driver and her female passenger were talking and eating french fries when the driver lost control on Perth Road 180 near Line 26 in West Perth.

Both occupants were transported to a local hospital as a precaution after the collision at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday.

An 18-year-old Hanover woman is now charged with careless driving.

“Drivers need to be aware that the worst road distractions are spilt drinks or dropped food when a driver tries to clean up the mess. Treating your vehicle like a make-shift dining room is asking for more than a big mess. Eating while driving puts yourself and other motorists at a higher risk of a collision,” said Inspector Rob Scott, detachment commander for the Perth County OPP.